Entries in Lagonda
(2)

Dr. Andy Palmer, head of Aston Martin, sees his company as the automotive version of LVMH, the company that arose out of the 1987 merger of Luis Vuiton with Moet Hennessy; itself a merger of champagne maker Moet Chandon and cognac producer Hennessy. As such, it can cover markets and segments its more traditional competitors can’t. Which means that, in addition to producing everything from mid-engine supercars to four-door luxury sedans (under the Lagonda badge), it also can meets its clientele’s needs and desires in fields far removed from the manufacture of sporting automobiles. Or so the theory goes.

The latest move is a collection of furniture created in collaboration with Formitalia, and previewed at Milan Design Week. Described as a collection that is crisp, unique, timeless and contemporary, the collection includes a sofa, coffee tables, bed, sideboard and armchairs. Enough, it should be noted, to help fill at least some of the rooms of the Aston Martin-designed apartments in Florida while wearing your Aston Martin shoes.

Though there is an automotive lifestyle, and luxury items are part of that lifestyle, we’re not that kind of website. So, instead of boring you with breathless descriptions of Canaletto walnut, “cuoio” leather, Breccia Medicea or Sahara Noir marble, or a futon-style mattress upholstered in cashmere, we’ll show you some pictures. — CAS

Just 21 years old when he founded Squire Motors Ltd. (later renamed the Squire Car Manufacturing Company), Adrian Squire dreamed of building a stylish grand prix racer for the road. Two- and four-seat models were built, each powered by a Squire-badged, Anzani-built 1.5-liter twin cam four. These expensive little engines could be ordered naturally aspirated or supercharged, and the cars had a reputation for their top speed and exceptional braking. Unfortunately, they were as expensive as a Bugatti, and production ended in 1936 with fewer than 10 cars built. Soon thereafter, Squire went to work for Lagonda and was working for the Bristol Aeroplane Company when he was killed during a bombing raid on the plant. He was just 30 years old.